There has been some commotion on social media regarding the future of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), particularly concerning its plans to privatise its casino operations. Addressing these concerns, Alejandro H. Tengco, Pagcor’s chairman, has stepped forward to set the record straight and appease the internal waves caused by misleading claims.
One such claim, circulated by a Pagcor employee named Gian Samson, suggested that the corporation was planning to pour funds into a casino renovation project to make the establishment more appealing to potential buyers. As Pagcor gears up for the privatisation of its casinos by the end of 2025, this assertion sparked concerns about wasteful spending and financial priorities.
However, in a firm rebuttal, Tengco adamantly refuted this speculation in a definitive statement on the agency’s website. According to Tengco, no money from Pagcor’s coffers will be allocated to any such refurbishment. Contrary to Samson’s claims, Tengco elucidated, “There is no truth in Mr. Samson’s allegations because the said renovation will be borne by the lessor. Pagcor will not spend a single cent on the renovation.” Elaborating on this stance, Tengco shed light on agreements in place with property owners, citing the example of Casino Filipino, situated in Angeles, where the lessor has agreed to shoulder the renovation costs as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the customer experience.
The conversation around the Angeles facility renovation is part of a broader strategy by Pagcor to spruce up existing casinos. Tengco emphasized, “We do not own the building where CF Angeles stands, so we had an agreement with the lessor to cover the renovation costs because they are the owner of the place, and Pagcor is only renting.” Similar agreements, he mentioned, are being structured for other branches, such as the one in Bacolod, aiming to bolster the attractiveness of these establishments in service of both Pagcor’s and the government’s interests.
In the Philippines, eight operational Casino Filipino facilities stand testament to Pagcor’s presence in the gaming sector. The upcoming year is posited to witness Pagcor’s venture into the online gambling sphere through the launch of Casinofilipino.com in the first quarter of 2024. An ambitious initiative that marks the corporation’s adaptive approach to the evolving landscape of the gaming industry.
Adding another layer to the discussion was the involvement of the PAGCEA Group, which disseminated a concerning allegation that the privatisation venture could result in a staggering 10,000 employees losing their jobs—a number that Tengco identified as the entire workforce of Pagcor. Once again, Tengco swiftly invalidated this claim, asserting that while Pagcor is transforming towards a “purely regulatory” position, a significant number of employees will retain their positions across various departments, including regulation, enforcement, and licensing.
“We are not disbanding Pagcor; and many workers will still remain in the regulatory, enforcement, monitoring, electronic gaming licensing, and other units,” Tengco clarified, urging employees to remain focused on their duties and not succumb to misleading information. This transition aligns with previous announcements made by Pagcor to recalibrate its operational model, facilitating a more equitable environment for other gaming operators to flourish.
At a prominent industry event, ICE London, Tengco spotlighted Pagcor’s expansive plans for the Philippine gaming market in the year ahead. The goals are ambitious and geared towards capitalizing on the country’s unique positioning as the sole regulator of online gaming in Southeast Asia. Recognizing this niche advantage, Tengco underscored the intention to leverage the Philippines’ potential as a burgeoning hub for online gaming investors.
The Philippine gaming market, with its dynamic casino sector, has long captured the interest of both local enthusiasts and international stakeholders. Tengco’s recent remarks and the agency’s assertive steps toward restructuring have reignited discussions about the industry’s future—not just within the bricks and mortar of casino halls, but in the rapidly expanding digital domain as well.
